2021-06-18 Fri

Ever wondered why we call the months what we do? Though it has a mixed influence on a couple of cultures, we can thank the Romans for most of it.

June is named after the Roman goddess Juno – the god of marriage and childbirth, and the wife of Jupiter, king of the gods. Juno was one of the three original gods of Rome and is referred to as the queen of the gods.

Although she is known for her various roles as a goddess protecting the Roman people, and she was a part of the integral triad on Capitoline Hill along with Jupiter and Minerva, Juno is most famous for her role as the goddess of marriage and childbirth. That is why the month of June is considered lucky to get married and to be born.

Here’s a silver denarius of Faustina Junior issued between 161 and 176 CE. The obverse of the banknote depicts Draped bust of Faustina facing right with a pearl band in her hair. The legend reads FAVSTINA AVGVSTA. The reverse depicts Juno standing facing left holding a tall scepter in her left hand, and patera in her right hand-feeding a peacock at her feet left. The legend reads VNONI REGINAE.

Image Courtesy: forumancientcoins.com